Ukraine briefs US senators in Washington on battlefield situation
Photo: Ukraine briefed US senators on the situation at the front (president.gov.ua)
The Ukrainian delegation held an analytical briefing for 23 US senators from both parties on the current security, economic, and humanitarian situation in the country, according to the Office of the President.
Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak, in particular, spoke about the negotiation process with Russia regarding a peaceful resolution. He reminded that Ukraine did not start the war but wants to end it. According to him, Russia is doing everything to prolong the war and uses negotiations as a tool for continued aggression. This is evidenced by the position of the Russian delegation at the negotiations.
"We must cut off Russia's resources for this war. Sanctions are needed. Your upcoming bipartisan bill is a strong step in that direction. And let Moscow pay for what it has destroyed," Yermak emphasized.
Deputy Defense Minister Serhiy Boyev and Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Pavlo Palisa briefed US senators on the battlefield situation, Ukraine's military needs, and interest in joint defense industry projects with the United States.
Advisor and Presidential Commissioner for Sanctions Policy Vladyslav Vlasiuk reported that despite restrictions on Russia's energy sector, the country earned around $600 billion from oil exports between 2022 and 2024. Using financial instruments such as banks and cryptocurrencies, Russia circumvents sanctions and continues to use foreign components in the manufacture of its weapons.
Daria Zarivna, Chief Operating Officer of the Bring Kids Back UA initiative and advisor to the head of the Presidential Office, said Ukraine handed Russia a list of hundreds of abducted children during negotiations in Istanbul. She emphasized that returning these children could be an important step in building trust in the peace process. US support, she added, is crucial to bringing many of these children home.
First Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko highlighted Ukraine's economic potential and opportunities for strategic partnership with the US, particularly through the country's Reconstruction Investment Fund.
Head of Ukraine's State Service for Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Conscience Viktor Yelensky, together with Pastor Mykhailo Brytsyn from occupied Melitopol, briefed US senators on the religious situation in Ukraine and the humanitarian impact of the war, including destroyed infrastructure, demolished churches, and the persecution of clergy in Russian-occupied territories.
Yermak's visit to the US
On Tuesday, Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak arrived in the United States for a series of meetings with members of President Donald Trump's team.
Yermak has already met with US Presidential Envoy Keith Kellogg. They discussed the second round of Ukraine-Russia peace talks, among other topics.
Yermak also invited Trump's Special Envoy, Steve Witkoff, to visit Ukraine to see the situation firsthand.
